This is a must-do in Rocky Mountain National Park. In the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing top the list. And I think that RMNP just got its first snow storm of the fall season. And bring a camera , its a beautiful park! If time permits be adventurous and try a different entrance each day! Show more. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: 6.2 miles, moderate, 4 to 5 hours. 3. It is situated on the north side of Moraine Park. Morning: Hike Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Bear Lakes from the Bear Lake Trailhead Afternoon: Trail Ridge Road (if the weather is clear), Timed Entry Ticket: Bear Lake Road Corridor + Full Park Access. This itinerary is best from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. This is one of the highest national parks in the USA. Hiking poles can help you keep your balance in the snow. I hope you have a great time! After the trail split, the hike gets easier and the views of Longs Peak and the alpine landscape is jaw-dropping. I recommend hiking Longs Peak on the day with the clearest weather. Flattop Mountain to Hallett Peak. Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park; Flat Tops Wilderness; Maine. There are sixty mountain peaks over 12,000 feet and many of these top out over 13,000 feet. From Bear Lake Road, turn left onto Highway 36 and continue on Trail Ridge Road. The views from the overlooks are stunning. South Saint Vrain Ave/Hwy 7. There is no lodging inside Rocky Mountain National Park. From here, hike the Alpine Ridge Trail. I think your itinerary looks great. There is even a three-bedroom house that can accommodate up to nine people. 3.4 miles, moderate, 2 to 3 hours. 4. Take a 0.4-mile detour to Lake Haiyaha for an added bonus. (Old Maps, 20th Century Maps, Americana, Travel, Tourism, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Reservoir, Granby).Grand Lake West Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.Published c. 1940's, United States.Folding cartoon pictorial travel map, printed on both sides of the sheet. If you choose to skip Sky Pond, you can combine Loch Vale and Mills Lake into one hike. On the western side of the park, you can explore the Colorado Rivers headwaters, look for moose and hike to the site of Lulu City, a former mining town, among many other things. Chasm Lake. Whats the Best Season to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park. As one of the most popular hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Alberta Falls Trail is a must on any itinerary. We also have a guide to the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and how to spend one day in RMNP. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. You can either hike to Fern Lakes and Odessa Lake as a point-to-point hike, starting at Bear Lake and ending at Moraine Park (or vice versa). What should you not miss in Rocky Mountain National Park? Forest Canyon Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Rainbow Curve Overlook | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. 1. Cheers, Julie. The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Dont miss Forest Canyon Overlook, one of the best on the drive. Dream Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Odessa & Fern Lakes Hike. Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft. How long does it take to drive Trail Ridge Road? By 4 to 5 pm, the skies begin to clear. Rocky Mountain high means snow, ice, and thin air - in exchange for jaw-dropping beauty. This is the hike that I recommend for today. They will ask to see your park pass and ID or offer you the opportunity to purchase one. Rocky Mountains National Park June 2023 Dec 05, 2022. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hi Julie! But dont bring your RV there. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Fall River Visitor Center features life-sized displays of a wide variety of park wildlife. Best Hikes Rocky Mountain National Park. This short, strenuous hike offers sweeping views over Estes Park and out to Longs Peak and it ends at a very pretty alpine lake. Cheers, Julie. Equally enjoyable on foot or from your car, there are four separate ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. Summer (generally Memorial Day to Labor Day) is peak visitor season for good reason trails are snow-free, the park's wildlife is active, and the wildflowers are in full bloom. MESA VERDE: Learn about the best things to do and how to plan your visit in our Guide to Mesa Verde National Park. Black Lake looks similar to Chasm Lake, as both of these alpine lakes are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Nymph, Dream, Emerald & Bear Lakes: 4.2 miles, easy to moderate, 3 hours. For more information about where to stay and where to eat, read our, Get updates on trail closures and park conditions on the National Park Service, Learn more about the national parks in our. This is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining. Park Access: This permit gives you access to everything in Rocky Mountain National Park except for Bear Lake Road. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Hi Julie ! Past the Alpine Visitor Center, you can continue on Alpine Ridge Road and go all of the way to Grand Lake, if you like. Hiking poles are a good idea for some of the tougher hikes (Sky Pond, Chasm Lake) if you have knee issues or if there is snow on the trail. This station, which is one mile west of the park's headquarters and Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, usually receives the highest volume of visitors. Thank you! You can drive Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike to Longs Peak and to Chasm Lake, and hike Gem Lake. Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, One Perfect Day in Rocky Mountain National Park, 10 Best Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park, 15 Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, Complete Guide to the Twin Sisters Peak Trail, RMNP. For 48 miles, this road runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west. If you are an avid hiker, dont miss the Gunnison Route, a trail that takes you from the rim to the Gunnison River. When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park? Waterproof hiking shoes or boots are a great idea too, since snow is a possibility on some of these trails, all year. 970 586-1206 Find out what to do, what to see, tours to join and more! Loveland and Boulder are two Colorado cities that are located much further away than the other options for where to stay when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. It is our favorite short hike in the park. I hope you have an awesome time in RMNP and happy hiking! If you only have one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be a busy day. 15 great hikes to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. I am not the hiker I used to be [did Kili in 04] so a moderate/ mildly strenuous 8 miler more my speed now. Take your pick from one, two, three, and four bedroom houses that come equipped with a full kitchen. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. I highly recommend this particular residence. Since I like to hike, I am guessing maybe 3 solid days? High in the center of the park, the Alpine Visitor Center offers displays about the most noted area of the park, the land above the trees. Emerald Lake. Youre itinerary is great, thanks for this! Prospect Mountain is a 15-minute drive, and you can set out along Lake Estes Trail less than 10 minutes after departing the accommodation. Rocky Mountain National Park Is A National Treasure. Rocky Mountain National Park is a relatively large park, with a total area of 415 square miles. However, if Longs Peak is on your list, I recommend waiting one more day if you come from sea level. There are numerous pull-over areas on each side of the road for this purpose. Timed Entry Permit: If you have plans to visit the park in the summer months, dont forget to reserve your permit in advance. You will reach Loch Vale before the final climb to Sky Pond. During the busy summer months, a free shuttle service is provided by the national park service. If you plan to do a lot of hiking and drive Trail Ridge Road, plan on visiting Rocky Mountain National Park between Memorial Day and mid-October. Itinerary Help: 1 or 1.5 days in RMNP and other CO NPs Nov 20, 2022. Tahosa Valley Cabin (from USD 275) Show all photos. #1 Estes Park - Overall Best Place to Stay in Rocky Mountain National Park. 2) Wed morning: Sky pond. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222. Yes, August is a great month to hike in RMNP. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Between the end of May through early October, you must reserve a permit to visit the park. Hi Julie !! The Finch Lake trail is a great choice for those who prefer solitude as it's one of the lesser traveled trails in the Wild Basin region of RMNP. The daily access to the Rocky Mountain National Park is US$ 30 per vehicle, US$ 15 per person, and US$ 25 per motorcycle. 9. There are a lot of hikes that start at the Bear Lake Trailhead. Duration. Gem Lake. great service , clean and location is in the center of town. To stay safe, start your hike early in the day so that you are finished, or at least below the tree line, by 1 pm. Julie Last updated: February 23, 2023 United States 61 Comments. For example, if you hike Deer Mountain at 6 am, you do not need a permit. With its short distance and manageable elevation gain, it is a great first hike in the park, as you acclimate to the higher elevation. At the entry station you will be greeted by a ranger. Best nearby. Each daily reservation costs $2 per vehicle, which is in addition to the $25 daily entrance fee or $35 weekly fee per vehicle. When you visit Rocky Mountain National Park, you have several choices of which entry point to use. Cheers, Julie. The Loch. CO Rocky Mountain National Park Travel Guide. Lake Estes | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. It is the east side (Estes Park side) of RMNP that has . GREAT SAND DUNES: In our article Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park, we cover the top experiences, plus how to plan your time, where to stay, and more. more, Rocky Mountain National Park Destination Experts. Since you will know your exact dates, I recommend making your reservations on July 1 so you get the permits for each day you will be in RMNP. Hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in RMNP. If driving Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road is on the top of your list and you have limited time, you may want to enter the park via the Fall River Entrance on the parks east side. The park is quieter and with the snow, it is a winter wonderland. Get a free Colorado national park trip planner for inspiring itineraries and essential information. As it is, I like to hike early to avoid the crowd, Yes, leaving that early should work. The map above displays the main entrances, campgrounds, lodging options, and locations for the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. $35 per vehicle, valid for one week. When the parking areas in Wild Basin are full, usually by 9am in the summer, vehicles will be turned away. Rocky Mountain National Park began addressing crowding . The Continental Divide Trail connects some of the tallest peaks, such as Mount Ida, Flattop Mountain, Hallett Peak, Isolation Peak, and many more. Information? If you are coming from sea level, you will feel the effects of the altitude as soon as you do anything strenuous. (970) 586-1206. Estes Park It also is just a few minutes from Estes Parks downtown. Park Details. Ah one for each day, got it Ty !! ), you can spend the mornings hiking and the afternoons relaxing in Estes Park or wherever you might be staying. This road will lead you out of town and to the Beaver Meadows Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. I recommend staying at The Residences. If you did not do it yet, you have the option to hike the short but sweet Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Anything to keep in mind? Deer mountain Alpine ridge trail Trail ridge drive Ute trail to tomb bridge Alberta falls Nymph, dream and emerald lake Haiyaha Bear lake Sprague lake loop sheep lakes lily lake loop chasm falls Gem lake Mills lake, Rocky Mountain is very safe for a solo traveler and yes, in the mornings, there will be people on these trails. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. To reach the Wild Basin Entrance from Estes Park, head south on CO 7. Alpine Ridge Road reaches its highest point at 12,183 feet. It is located just outside of Estes Park, on the south side, an excellent location for driving into the park. Enter the number of passes you would like to purchase from the available choices below: Site passes table. Moraine Park - Located just a few miles east from the park headquarters, Moraine Park is one of the best places to see elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. After one final short and strenuous climb you arrive at Chasm Lake. From here, you can park at the trailheads and hike some of the best trails in RMNP, like Emerald and Dream Lakes, Alberta Falls, Sky Pond, Mills Lake, and Hallett Peak. However, the road is open to Many Parks Curve, approximately 7 miles from the start of Trail Ridge Road from the east. If you are an avid hiker, plan on spending at least three to five days in Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park made our list of the best national parks for kids. What is a good itinerary for a day trip to RMNP in the winter? If so, you need one for each day that you plan to visit RMNP. This historic hotel is one of the top places to stay in Estes Park. Stay on US 34 as it becomes Trail Ridge Road to enjoy a spectacular tour of the parks incredible landscapes. ie last an hour or so and go away? Park at Bear Lake Trailhead. If you are coming from a lower elevation and plan to hike to these taller peaks, you will need to spend a few days in the park, acclimating to the higher elevation, before you tackle these hikes. Visit the Alpine Visitor Center, hike Alpine Ridge Trail, and consider driving down to Grand Lake, visiting the Holzwarth Historic Site on the way. I am travelling solo. Approaching Moraine Park, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk love to congregate. Have fun in RMNP! To ensure everyone gets a chance to experience the park during this . The park has gotten so popular that in 2020 a timed entry system was put into effect. These two are the most popular entrances to the park. 7.6 Good 275 reviews. The best time for this Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary is from Memorial Day through mid-October, when Trail Ridge Road is open. How crowded does Rocky Mountain National Park get? All entrances into Rocky Mountain National Park require entrance fees, even the ones that don't have a physical entrance to drive through. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Thats crazy how early parking lots fill up, too. So on Tuesday, do you think I can salvage some hiking? Once the snow begins to fall, you can still hike many of the trails that we list, but you will need snowshoes. 1. Is RMNP a good place to visit for the elderly or those with limited mobility? Cheers, Julie. Some visitors complain of noise and hot temperatures in the summer (there is no air conditioning). When does Trail Ridge Road close in the fall? If you want low crowds and dont mind cold temperatures and snow, plan your visit from November through May. RMNP in February Dec 18, 2022. If you are an avid hiker, I recommend spending five or more days in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the Alpine Visitor Center, drive Alpine Ridge Road back to Estes Park. Otherwise you'll need to login the day before and try to obtain one of the limited entry passes with . Arrived at the park entrance before 5am which allowed us access to Bear Lake Road before the timed entry kicked in. The hike itself is relatively easy but follows uneven terrain and rock so take caution with small children and older folks. On the other side of this entrance station you enter the meadows of the Kawuneeche Valley. Best Day Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. To reserve a campsite at Elk Meadow Lodge & RV Park, call (970) 586-5342. 2. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Estes Park. 4. This is a great hike for newbie hikers who want to summit a mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak, at 14,259 feet, is the only fourteener in the park. Clouds start moving in around noon with the storms occurring almost like clockwork between 1 and 3 pm. On the return drive, hike the Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge. Founded in 1881, the village still embraces its original rustic architectural style . Because the entrance is so accessible from Estes Park and open year round, it is the most popular. I am so glad you had great weather and a great trip! Eleven miles of this road is in the alpine tundra, which is over 11,000 feet. Estes Park. If the weather was clear yesterday, and you drove Trail Ridge Road, I recommend doing another hike this morning. There are pull outs along the road for viewing but can get busy during the day so head . Should I spend my time on the east side or the west side of the park? Running north to south through the park is the Continental Divide and the highest mountain peaks.. Hopefully in your case they will be quick! Emerald Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. Be aware that you'll need to make a left turn at the stoplights onto Moraine Avenue. Sometimes, when the permits open up, you just have to grab them, no matter where you are in the world (we got our Narrows permit for Zion while rock climbing Svolvaergeita in Norway ). We still had some snow in a few spots at the higher elevations. Each residence is individually managed, so some are better than others. Longs Peak Campground on the East Side. For now, the forecast does call for afternoon thunderstorms from what i can see on weather.com, It depends. The Kawuneeche entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park is located 2 miles north of Grand Lake on highway 34. These are the only official entry stations into the park. Get updates on road conditions on the national park service website. For reference, my family will be traveling to all the Colorado national parks in late July for around two weeks. Moraine Park Campground is located in Rocky Mountain National Park near the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Highway 36. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers a lot to do for those who arent big fans of hiking. It's like a tour of amazing mountain lakes. Mills Lake | Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. So you basically log on in July when they open it up for dates in August and quickly pick 2-3 dates? Best Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes: Easy Tundra Hikes. Timed Entry Ticket: Park Access (excludes Bear Lake Road Corridor) is sufficient unless you choose to hike to Fern and Odessa Lakes. This hike has a little bit of everythingwaterfalls, alpine lakes, high mountain views, and fun river and stream crossings. Thanks for the article I am planning to travel below hikes/places in 3rd week of june. best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Its proximity to the charming town of Grand Lake make it even more alluring. Trail Type: Out-and-back. The permit is in effect from 9 am to 2 pm. 9.8 miles, strenuous, 4.5 to 6.5 hours. And once at topwhat a view.! Explore the exhibits at the highest elevation visitor center in the National Park Service. Serving the park at the entrance stations and visitor centers are a group of dedicated full time and seasonal rangers and volunteers. About this Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary, Ideally, plan on spending at least three days in Rocky Mountain National Park. There are a million different ways to put together a Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary, and how you choose to do so really depends on your interests, the time of year you plan to visit the park, and the weather. Rocky Mountain National Park is open all year. For the first part of this hike you will be sharing the trail with those on their way to Longs Peak. Yay!! Keep your fingers crossed for clear afternoon skies. It is close to my Rocky Mtn NP trip (going there next week tue-sat), I wanted your opinion for this following itinerary and if it is doable 1) Tuesday afternoon: I will be at RMNP around 4pm. Learn about each of them and find the entrance station that will best meet your needs. The last stretch to Wild Basin is a narrow, gravel road that becomes one lane in places, so it is not appropriate to bring your RV. Wondering if there are differences between entering park through entrances by Estes park or better to enter park through grand lake? Bear Lake: 0.6 miles, easy, 30 minutes. Rocky Mountain National Park was established on January 26, 1915, and has a total area of 265,795 acres (415 square miles, or 1,076 square kilometers). This route will lead you up past the Stanley Hotel. Gorgeous alpine views can certainly be seen from this center located at 11,796' elevation! Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also a shuttle bus that runs from Denver International Airport straight to Estes Park. This entrance station has three entry booths which helps traffic to enter more quickly; however, this also tends to be the busiest entrance station. If the skies are clear, the weather forecast is favorable, and Longs Peak is on your bucket list, go for it today. It may sound counterintuitive, but if you really want to see Rocky Mountain National Park hassle-free, leave your car behind. That is correct. How Many Days Do You Need in Rocky Mountain National Park? A 2 hour trip from either Steamboat Springs or Breckenridge will only get you to the west side entrance to RMNP. Grand Lake sits to the southwest of RMNP and it is another place you can consider staying, but it will be a longer drive to most sites in the park. While in Rocky Mountain National Park, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trails, pack out what you bring to the hiking trails, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Sky Pond. The elevation of the lowest sections of the park range from 5,600 to 9,500 feet. Unsubscribe anytime by clicking the link at the bottom of your email. But its only worth it if skies are clear. Potentially one of the busiest trails at RMNP is the Emerald Lake trail. You're going to want to start early, because parking fills up fast. This is an essential hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Get here by 7:30 am if you want a spot. You may experience lines that can stretch up to a mile long during the busy season. You will really feel the effects of the altitude. Nymph, Dream, Emerald, Haiyaha and Bear Lake: You can learn more about all of these hikes on our post, For full details on how to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, read our post, Two Day Rocky Mountain National Park Itinerary. This station is .25 miles from our newest visitor center, the Fall River Visitor Center. An hours drive from Boulder and two hours from Denver, the lively Estes Park is the closest town to the park on the east side of the park. , We stayed in a 3-bedroom house, #402, and it was perfect. So, climb those stairs, catch your breath if you need to, and enjoy the awesome views from the top. And you must have really been moving to catch sunrise at Chasm Lake. The rooms within the main hotel building get mixed reviews. With towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes and waterfalls, and the opportunity to hike along the Continental Divide, this park offers world-class hiking experiences. This very highly rated property offers two-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to six people. Photo: Flickr/David Wilson. So, after Labor Day, you might have some of both (snow and crowds). Crowds will begin to quiet down in October, but snow on the trails becomes a lot more likely. Along the way, there is a good chance that you will spot bighorn sheep and elk. 11. Cheers, Julie. Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved through road, not only in Colorado, but also in the entire US national park system. The most popular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. It is a common misconception that there are fee-free entrances into the Park. Plan on being at the trailhead by 7am (or earlier) if you want to park at the trailhead itself. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to 2 fantastic scenic drive opportunities. For five days or more, follow our four day itinerary and for each additional day that you have, add on another hike. We spent seven days in RMNP and every day we did at least one hike. The permit system limited visitation to about 60% of parking capacity. Moraine Park Campground. BTW I reach Denver around 12.30pm on a Tuesday in mid August, that puts me in Estes Park area at about 3:30pm (waiting for rental/lunch/traffic). If you have no desire to fill each day with a hike, your itinerary will look something like this: Day 1: Nymph, Dream & Emerald Lakes plus Trail Ridge Road and the Alpine Ridge Trail Day 2: Gem Lake in the morning, Estes Park in the afternoon Day 3: Sky Pond Day 4: Old Fall River Road and Estes Park Day 5: Mills and Black Lakes Day 6: More activities in Estes Park Day 7: Deer Mountain. You need to make it through the Beaver Meadows entrance and where they check permits for the Bear Lake Corridor (I think that is the junction of Bear Lake Road and US-36 but I am not 100% about this) before 5 am.